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Canadian Tech in 100 Words

Rogers Closes $7B Deal with Blackstone and Pension Giants

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Rogers Communications has closed a $7 billion equity investment led by Blackstone and backed by Canada’s top institutional investors, including CPP Investments, CDPQ, PSP Investments, BCI, and IMCO. The transaction gives Blackstone a non-controlling stake in a Rogers subsidiary holding part of its wireless backhaul infrastructure.

Rogers retains full operational control, and the unit’s financials will remain consolidated. CEO Tony Staffieri said the deal reflects investor confidence and supports Rogers’ strategy to unlock asset value and reduce debt. The deal highlights growing institutional interest in telecom infrastructure as a long-term investment class.

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Meta and Oakley Launch Smart AI Glasses

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Oakley and Meta have unveiled Oakley Meta HSTN, a new line of Performance AI glasses blending cutting-edge design with advanced technology. Built for athletes and active users, the glasses feature a built-in camera, open-ear speakers, and Meta’s AI assistant for hands-free interaction. Battery life reaches eight hours of use, with 3K video capture and water resistance included.

Select models use Oakley’s PRIZM™ lens tech to enhance contrast and clarity. The limited-edition launch begins July 11 at $499 USD, with broader availability later this summer across North America and Europe.

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Walter and Fasken Launch Legal AI Innovation Program

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Vancouver legaltech startup Walter is expanding its partnership with national law firm Fasken through a new Joint Innovation Program to develop the Walter AI Assistant. Integrated into Microsoft Outlook and the Walter platform, the AI tool will automate legal tasks such as data entry, entity creation, compliance management, and document drafting.

Fasken’s Emerging Technology group is contributing real-world insight to ensure workflow relevance. The collaboration builds on an existing relationship and reflects growing adoption of AI tools to reduce administrative burdens and enhance client service. The assistant marks a significant advance in legal operations technology.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Techcouver.

Alberta Invests in Wearable Health Tech Innovation

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Alberta Innovates is investing $348,750 to support a new initiative aimed at advancing wearable health technology in the province. Led by the Canadian Sport Institute Alberta through its Sport Product Testing platform, the program will help startups validate, analyze, and commercialize devices measuring biomechanics and physiological data.

With support from the University of Calgary and University of Alberta, the initiative offers validation services, machine learning analytics, and expert mentorship. Originally focused on elite athletes, the program is expanding to consumer health. Officials say the effort could position Alberta as a hub for wearable innovation.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Calgary.tech.

Montreal’s DNE Joins AppDirect’s Growing Portfolio

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San Francisco–based AppDirect has acquired Montreal’s DNE Resources, one of Canada’s largest energy brokers, as part of its continued expansion into deregulated North American energy markets. DNE manages over $250 million in annual commercial energy spending and is known for simplifying energy procurement.

The deal follows AppDirect’s acquisition of U.S.-based Broker Online Exchange (BOX), integrating both firms into a unified service platform. DNE customers will gain access to AppDirect’s BOX My Service Cloud and other value-added services. The move positions AppDirect as a one-stop hub for energy, cloud, telco, mobility, and AI procurement solutions.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on CleanEnergy.ca.

Safe Software Expands into UK and Ireland

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Surrey-based Safe Software is expanding into the United Kingdom and Ireland, marking a significant step in its international growth strategy. Known for its FME platform, which enables enterprise integration across all data types and AI systems, the company aims to reach $250 million in revenue by 2028.

The new offices will support customers, drive innovation, and grow partnerships across Europe. CEO Don Murray emphasized the company’s commitment to helping industries transform data into action. With active hiring underway, the move reflects Safe Software’s continued global momentum and ambition to lead in the data integration sector.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Techcouver.

Modular Solutions Raises Top-Tier Insurtech Seed Round

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Calgary-based insurtech Modular Solutions has secured a significant seed round led by Tailwind Ventures, joined by Clear North Capital and other private investors. The raise ranks among the top five seed-stage financings for North American insurtechs since 2023, with the second-highest pre-money valuation in the sector.

Formerly known as Nude Solutions, Modular offers configurable insurance software to replace outdated legacy systems. Funds will enhance AI capabilities, onboarding, and platform upgrades. CEO Braden Bosch remains majority shareholder and aims to scale without compromising affordability. Tailwind and Clear North emphasized the company’s strong trajectory and strategic local backing.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Calgary.tech.

Tech Training Program Returns for Canadian Veterans

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The Roland Gossage Foundation has relaunched its Soldiers in Tech program to help Canadian veterans and military families transition into technology careers. Now in its fifth year, the program is delivered in partnership with Lighthouse Labs and offers flexible 12-week or 30-week courses in web development, cybersecurity, and data analytics.

With over 461,000 veterans in Canada—many of working age—the initiative combines technical training, career services, and wellness support to bridge military service and civilian employment. The program is backed by Employment Ontario and both federal and provincial governments. Upcoming cohorts begin in July and August.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Techtalent.ca.

Circle K Launches Digital Fleet Card with Fillip

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Calgary-based fintech Fillip and Digital Commerce Bank (DCBank) have partnered with Circle K to launch Circle K Pro DIGITAL+, a digital fleet card program designed to modernize fuel management for Canadian businesses. Issued by DCBank and powered by Visa, the platform enables instant issuance of digital fuel cards, real-time tracking, and customizable controls.

Businesses also receive exclusive fuel discounts nationwide. The initiative tackles inefficiencies in traditional fleet payment systems and enhances transparency. Fillip CEO Alice Reimer emphasized the program’s potential to boost efficiency, while Circle K’s Stéphane Trudel highlighted its ability to simplify day-to-day fleet operations.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on Calgary.tech.

Carbon Upcycling Raises $26.6M to Clean Cement

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Calgary-based Carbon Upcycling has secured $26.6 million to scale its carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technology aimed at reducing emissions in the cement industry. The round was led by Builders Vision, with backing from BDC, Climate Investment, Amplify Capital, CRH Ventures, Oxy Low Carbon Ventures, and TITAN Group.

Carbon Upcycling converts industrial CO₂ and low-value materials into sustainable cement additives. Its SCPs reduce carbon output and reinforce local supply chains. Recent milestones include a CCU project at Ash Grove’s Mississauga plant and a partnership with TITAN Group for international expansion.

Want to know more? Check out the source code on CleanEnergy.ca.